The Role of Witnesses in Florida Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents in Florida can cause serious injuries and major damage. Because trucks are so large and heavy, crashes involving these vehicles are often much more severe than those involving smaller cars. Determining who is responsible for a truck accident is not always easy, and the people involved may have different versions of what happened. This is where witnesses can play a big role in truck accident cases. Witnesses help provide important information that can influence the outcome of a legal case. In Florida, these witnesses can make a significant difference in proving who is at fault. At, Serrano Law , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Understanding Witnesses in Truck Accident Cases

In a truck accident case, the goal is often to prove who was responsible for causing the accident. The person who is at fault can be held responsible for paying for damages, injuries, and other costs. While the people involved in the accident will tell their side of the story, witnesses can offer more neutral information. This information can come from people who saw the accident happen or from professionals who can give their opinion based on their knowledge of trucking regulations, accident reconstruction, and other technical matters.

A witness who is not directly involved in the accident but saw it happen can provide a third-party perspective. These people may have been driving by or standing near the scene of the crash. Their testimony can be used to help the court understand what happened before, during, and after the accident. In many cases, a person who is not involved has no reason to be biased toward either side, making their account more believable.

The Importance of Detailed Testimonies

When a truck accident occurs, small details can make a big difference in determining who is at fault. A witness can offer an independent account of the crash, which can be critical in truck accident cases. They may notice things that the people in the vehicles did not, such as whether a truck was speeding, if a driver failed to signal, or if the truck was swerving before the accident. Since truck accidents often result in serious injuries, those involved may not remember the exact details clearly due to shock or trauma. This is why outside witnesses are so valuable.

In some situations, witnesses may also provide information about the behavior of the truck driver or the condition of the truck itself. For example, they might notice that the truck driver appeared distracted or that the truck had a tire problem before the crash. These observations can strengthen the argument about who should be held responsible for the accident.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

Types of Witnesses in Florida Truck Accident Cases

There are different types of witnesses who can provide valuable information in a Florida truck accident case. First, there are eyewitnesses who were present when the accident occurred. These individuals could be pedestrians, other drivers, or anyone nearby who saw the accident. Their testimony can give the court an understanding of what exactly happened on the road.

Then, there are people who can give professional opinions based on their knowledge of trucking rules, safety regulations, and accident analysis. These people are often used in court to explain things like how fast the vehicles were going or how the road conditions might have contributed to the crash. In a Florida truck accident case, their opinions can help explain the technical side of the accident, which can be very important when trying to determine fault.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

How Witnesses Can Prove Negligence

Proving negligence is one of the key goals in any truck accident case. In legal terms, negligence means that a person did not act responsibly or carefully, which caused harm to someone else. In a Florida truck accident case, proving negligence means showing that the truck driver or trucking company failed to act in a way that would have prevented the accident. This could include actions such as speeding, not following road safety rules, or not keeping the truck in proper working condition.

Witnesses play a crucial role in proving negligence. They can provide firsthand accounts of what happened on the road and whether the truck driver was behaving in a way that could be considered negligent. For instance, if a witness saw a truck driver talking on their phone just before the crash, this information could be used to show that the driver was distracted, which could be considered negligence. Similarly, a person who gives professional testimony might explain how the trucking company did not follow certain safety regulations, which also demonstrates negligence.

The Role of Witnesses in Court Proceedings

In a truck accident case, witnesses are often called to testify in court. Their role is to provide the court with information that helps explain how the accident happened and who should be held responsible. In Florida, witness testimonies can be very powerful when it comes to showing the court who was at fault. The judge or jury will listen to the testimonies and use them to help make a decision.

When a witness testifies, they are expected to be truthful and provide information based on what they know or observed. Their testimony is often questioned by both sides, meaning the lawyers representing the truck driver, the trucking company, or the injured party may ask them questions to clarify details. This process helps the court understand the full picture of the accident.

The court relies on witnesses to offer objective and clear information. In many cases, their testimonies can help show whether a driver broke any traffic laws, failed to maintain control of their vehicle, or acted in a reckless manner. Because truck accidents can be very complex, witnesses are essential in helping the court decide who should be held responsible for the damages and injuries caused by the accident.

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Challenges of Using Witnesses in Truck Accident Cases

While witnesses can provide critical information, there can be challenges when using their testimonies in a truck accident case. One issue is whether the witness’s account is reliable. Sometimes, witnesses may have seen the accident from a distance or may have misunderstood what they saw. It is also possible that memories fade over time, making it harder for a witness to accurately recall the details of the accident.

Another challenge is when different witnesses provide conflicting accounts of what happened. In some cases, one witness may claim that the truck driver was speeding, while another might say that the truck was moving at a normal speed. When this happens, the court has to determine which witness is more credible. This is why having more than one witness is often helpful, as it can provide a clearer picture of what occurred.

Additionally, professional witnesses who provide opinions may be questioned about their methods or the accuracy of their conclusions. Lawyers from both sides may challenge their opinions to weaken the case being made. This is why it is important to have reliable witnesses who can support their statements with strong reasoning and evidence.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

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The Impact of Witnesses on Truck Accident Settlements

Not all truck accident cases in Florida go to trial. In fact, many are settled outside of court through negotiations between the parties involved. However, witnesses can still play a big role in these settlements. When there is clear and convincing information from witnesses, the parties may be more likely to reach a settlement because they know the outcome if the case went to trial. A strong witness testimony can encourage a trucking company to offer a fair settlement to avoid the risk of losing in court.

On the other hand, if the witnesses’ testimonies are weak or unclear, it may be harder to reach a settlement. In these cases, the parties might decide to take the case to court to let a judge or jury determine the outcome. This shows just how important witnesses can be, even when a case does not make it to the courtroom.

In Florida truck accident cases, witnesses are a key part of determining who is responsible for causing the accident and the damages that result. Their accounts of the accident and their professional opinions can provide valuable information to help prove negligence and influence the outcome of a case. Whether a case is settled or goes to trial, the role of witnesses cannot be overstated.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Florida and need help navigating the legal process, Serrano Law is here to assist you. Our experienced team understands the importance of building a strong case with solid witness testimonies. Contact us today to learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve after a truck accident.